Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 13 May 2026
Renault has unveiled another whimsy interpretation of its reborn Renault 4, introducing the new 4 JP4x4 Concept ahead of its public debut at the 2026 Roland-Garros French Open.
Inspired by the classic Plein Air and JP4 variants of the original Renault 4, the new concept transforms the retro-inspired EV into an open-air beach cruiser with bold colours and all-wheel-drive capability.
The 4 JP4x4 Concept follows earlier Renault 4-based show cars including the Savane 4×4 Concept and Vision 4Rescue, which are said to demonstrate the flexibility of the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric platform.
Renault says the concept embraces a ‘carefree summer vibe’ with minimalist open-frame doors, an exposed roof structure and a rear tailgate that folds down like a ute tray for easier loading. There is no traditional soft-top roof, reinforcing the car’s open-air design philosophy.
The body is finished in a pearlescent Emerald Green inspired by classic Renault 4 colours from the 1970s and 1980s, contrasted by a vibrant orange interior designed to evoke a sporty and youthful feel. Renault has also added lifestyle touches including a surfboard mounted to the roof and skateboards stored in the rear cargo area. Groovy man.
Inside, the cabin mixes ‘retro-inspired design with modern materials’. Bucket seats draw inspiration from Renault’s iconic integrated-headrest “Egyptian mummy” seats from the 1970s, while textured fabrics, floating centre console design and grab handles reinforce the adventurous personality of the concept.
Jean-Philippe Salar, Advanced Design Director at Renault, says the vehicle was designed to blur the line between inside and outside.
“A cross between a pick-up and a beach buggy, Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept was designed as a car with no real boundary between the exterior and the interior. This aspect is highlighted by the striking contrast between the Emerald Green of the bodywork and the vibrant orange of the interior textiles.”
“With its striking design, door frames with orange surrounds and characteristic rear quarter panel area tapering towards the rear, Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept is a car unlike any other. The ultra-contemporary look is completed by a 3D-printed pattern on the sides, bringing to mind the world of sportswear and trainers. Designed first and foremost as a leisure vehicle, it invites us to reconnect with the freewheeling spirit of the 1960s and 1970s.”
Underneath the retro-inspired styling is a more serious technical package. The concept rides 15mm higher than the standard Renault 4 E-Tech Electric and features wider tracks, bespoke 18-inch wheels and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ tyres.
Most notably, Renault has added a second electric motor to the rear axle, giving the concept permanent all-wheel drive. The setup is designed to improve traction on sand, gravel and rough terrain while also demonstrating the capability of Renault’s small EV platform to support four-wheel-drive systems in future production vehicles.
The 4 JP4x4 Concept will appear alongside several other Renault EVs at Roland-Garros, including the new Renault 4 Roland-Garros E-Tech Electric, Renault 5 Roland-Garros E-Tech Electric and the upcoming Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric.
